SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 A construction site in Seminole County looked different than usual this week, with dozens of women picking up tools and building homes as part of a Women Build initiative during Women\u2019s History Month.<\/p>\n
Seminole Apopka Habitat for Humanity is using its Women Build program to do more than construct houses. Organizers say the initiative creates opportunities for women to learn hands-on skills in construction while supporting future homeowners in the community.<\/p>\n
More than 30 Women Build groups are contributing to homes across the area, including a team of volunteers working alongside construction company Finfrock.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do Women Build because it\u2019s a safe place for women to learn a skill in a very male-dominated trade,\u201d a Habitat for Humanity CEO said. \u201c And the other reason is that a majority of our clients who are our future home buyers are women. They\u2019re single women, head of household. And we know that over half of the women that are single and raising children on their own live in poverty. So what better group of people to have to network together today?\u201d<\/p>\n
Volunteers of all experience levels are taking part, with many trying construction tools for the first time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we have women here who have never picked up a hammer before, and now they\u2019re shooting nails with a nail gun,\u201d Jennifer Finfrock said. \u201cIt\u2019s very exciting. I might have screamed a few times, but, you know, what else? Do you get a chance to do that and really have it mean something?\u201d<\/p>\n
Participants spent the day installing siding \u2014 measuring, cutting and securing panels to the exterior of the homes. The materials are designed to withstand Florida\u2019s harsh weather, including hurricanes.<\/p>\n
For some volunteers, the experience also highlights the importance of representation in the construction industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I\u2019ve worked in the construction industry for a few years now, and there\u2019s definitely not as many women out there on a job site as there are men, so it\u2019s always fun to see women out there,\u201d Julia Finfrock said.<\/p>\n
Organizers say the initiative also addresses a broader issue of housing insecurity among women, particularly single mothers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happens is women end up being the ones who are struggling to be able to work full-time jobs and care for their families and have an affordable place to live that\u2019s so important for their family, for the dignity of their entire family,\u201d Shanda Lee said. \u201cAnd so the Women Build initiative really focuses on that fact, brings that fact to life, and helps women come together and work together to raise each other up.\u201d<\/p>\n
The home is expected to be completed this summer.<\/p>\n
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